The day started at The Old Plough Inn at Shortlanesend who very kindly opened early for us so that we could enjoy an excellent cup of coffee. Even though we knew in advance how many people were coming I was pleasantly surprised at the display in the Pub car park, the cars were lined up end to end along the car park but this made photographs a little difficult. In the end I took a series of photos to try and cover all the cars. There were 18 cars in the car park
During coffee I discussed the route with one or two members to ensure that if the convoy got broken at least we would have a chance of reassembling along the route, only to be told that there were floods in some of the areas we were intending to go. Fortunately there was an alternative route available to us if the floods were too deep.
We set off at approximately 12.00 to make our way, across country via the lanes to Penelewey and our lunch stop. All went well, the convoy stuck together, until we came to the Bissoe valley where we encountered the floods. As we were leading we decided to try and get through the flood, after all, the cars are high off of the ground and can go ‘anywhere’. We gingerly edged through the water which came up to the running boards but we got through. The flood must have been 40 yards long and of unknown depth. The rest followed and all negotiated the flood successfully.
Our next challenge came within yards of the flood, a ford which was running a little high and was deeper than the flood, the marker board showed 1½ feet, but again we all got through with the exception of a Ruby which was a little boisterous going through the ford and sprayed water all over its electrics. Once these were dried out and the engine restarted we were back on our way, arriving at the pub only a few minutes late to meet up with other members who had travelled directly to the pub for one reason or another.
The meal was excellent and well recommended, I must congratulate both of the pubs for their hospitality, I am sure we will use them again.
When Regi and Andrew invited Seamus and I to host the Christmas party I said to myself “How terrific - a gaggle of Austin Sevens in the car park and a chance to get acquainted over lunch.” Then the phone started ringing.
Members from all over the county and beyond were undeterred by tales of our rough and winding track. There were long lively phone calls negotiating offers of food as I tried to make sure we weren't all eating quiche. The calls kept coming, the numbers grew and I panicked. Would there be enough to go round? How wrong I was! Seamus greeted guests at the door and I stayed in the kitchen to layout the food. Faces I had never met poured through the door bearing platters, baking dishes, cold boxes and trays set out with mouth-watering food. Chicken legs with Christmas frills, luscious puddings, fresh baked bread, exotic salads, delicate sandwiches sprinkled with cress and smoked salmon in a seemingly endless stream. Where would I put all this splendid food? The savouries alone filled the kitchen table which is one metre by two metres and the sweets ended up on a nearby chest.Nearly 50 guests tucked into the feast. To judge by the buzz in the room, members were busy enjoying themselves.
A memorable introduction to the Cornwall Austin Seven Club.
Maggie and Seamus are congratulated on hosting the Christmas ‘do’, especially as they have been club members for such a short time. The cars made a lovely sight in their drive as the following photos show [Editor]
The weather God smiled on us as Sat 16th was a very pleasant day. Almost 20 Austin 7's and their owners met at Pressingol Barns just 1/2 mile from the writer's home and this was his first meeting, to take advantage of this break in our rainy season.
After general hellos it was up to the coffee shop for refreshments. Unfortunately it must be said that initially the staff were not pleased to see such a large group of customers during their quiet season. They soon recovered and we all enjoyed our food and drink and of course the company. Once the eating and drinking were done some were fortunate [or unfortunate] to do some shopping in the various outlets and were seen proceeding to their cars with evidence of their efforts.
The shopping completed over half of us lined up for a drive through St. Agnes,
Perranporth and various lanes, including part flooded ones to arrive at our destination, The Smugglers Den Inn at Cubert. Here lunch was taken by most of the group along with liquid refreshment and of course plenty of friendly discussion. In conclusion I can only repeat that this was the writer's first meeting, it turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable day thanks to the company, and of course the weather.
And what a jaunt it was! 13 cars in all left Helston Cattle Market Car Park and eventually 13 cars arrived back at Trethewey farm, Nigel and Jo Cowards lovely home near Goonhilly.
Brian and I really enjoyed the run, up and down hills and long single-track roads that twisted and turned all around the Helford, Gweek and Manaccan area. Roads that surely must have been made for Austin Sevens. There were lots of questions to answer along the way as well, and I must say, Nigel, some were a bit cryptic. When we all got back to Trethewey Farm there was a very welcome cup of tea with sandwiches; cake and scones all served up in Jo’s lovely garden. So to those of you who didn’t come, you missed a treat, sunshine, blue skies, magnificent views, a smashing ‘tootle’ in our sevens and tea and a bun with good friends and plenty of chatter.Thanks Jo and Nigel for a lovely afternoon.
Those of you who have been to Polwhele House School, either to last year’s or this year’s Pre War Austin Day will appreciate what a beautiful setting the school is. We have been very privileged to be able to use the school for the last two years with kind thanks to our fellow member Richard White and his wife Rosemary.
Whilst the number of cars was slightly lower than last year the enthusiasm was just the same and the weather was brilliant, yet again! Personally I find Polwhele such a relaxing, beautiful setting that I would recommend members to simply go, park up with a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery. If the mood takes you then a spot of driving around the tests will add to your day.Put the date in your diary NOW for next years event which will most likely be the Sunday 31st August 2003. It is well recommended!
What a lovely day Saturday 6 July turned out to be, what more could a man ask for, no rain ,sun shining, roof open, weekend off and an Austin 7.This was my first main trip in Dennis since the 19th January, my passenger Steven had gone down with chicken pox so I was on my own bombing up the A38 to Exeter to meet up with Michael Davies. The trip was great 3 hrs 30 minutes travelling time, the camp site was fine and Michael met me with a mug of tea, the tent was up and I could sit back and relax; just what I needed.
We were joined by Bill Watson and Phil Brown who travelled up in a modern. After sussing out the Barbecue and the lack of beer it was decided that we would all jump in to Michael’s Ruby and find a watering hole, a quick call on the mobile to make sure the Cornish gang had made it and that all was ok and we set of for our refreshments. To cut a long drive short we ended up at the Montague Arms, had a very good meal washed down with a few bottles of wine then back to camp and a good nights sleep!!.
3 am the rain came down and down, by 6 am I was sitting in Dennis doing some paper work (sad man!) with no tea as I had ran out of gas. 8 am breakfast Bill had 2 eggs, 2 rashers of bacon and 4 slices of bread, Michael had a tin of beans and it was great even if we stood in the rain to eat it. After the gourmet breakfast it was down to business, parked the cars in their set places and off to the stalls to buy the things you have been looking for!
It was good to meet up with the Cornish gang and to meet with other like minded people. During the morning the judging took place, Dennis won the cup for best car in that section, our planned 3.30 pm departure became 5 pm as I had to collect a cup presented by Lord Montague. We had a good run home with Bill bringing up the rear in his modern (full of parts for his project and an engine bought by Michael).
Thank you to all for a great weekend and hope to see you all soon.
After a damp start to the day the sun came out by lunch time and the rest of the day was spent in glorious sunshine. The club put on a display with some 26 cars including a 1929 'RK' saloon, very much in need of restoration, which formed the centre-piece of the display.
The 'RK' had more than its fair share of interest !
The FOCUS magazine article has been reproduced for your information. Click HERE to read it.